Title

Know When Not To Listen

Scripture

He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.(Proverbs 9:7)

Devotional

If one scoffs at your endeavor or speaks evil of what you are doing, ignore them. Do not give them the satisfaction of an answer. The wisdom is clear, a scoffer cannot be corrected and the wicked cannot be rebuked. They will not hear because of who they are. Proverbs furthermore says, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him."[1] We are not to lower ourselves to the level of a scoffer, a fool or the wicked. Let us learn to turn a deaf ear to mockers and doubters. On the other hand, let us make sure that we are open to correction and the rebuke of a friend lest we become scoffers and wicked. Let us not see godly correction and a loving rebuke as scoffing and wickedness. We must discern the difference. Let us not shame and harm ourselves. Remember the Proverbs are about wisdom.“‘whoever is simple, let him turn in here!’ As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, ‘come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.’”